A sensational free kick from Dominik Szoboszlai gave Liverpool a 1-0 win over Arsenal in a tight game at Anfield.
Last season’s top two met having both won their first two games of teh season, so while too early for a title decider, the game gave us an idea of where both teams are.It proved a close encounter, with both sides struggling to break down the other and chances limited until Szoboszlai struck in the final 10 minutes from more than 30 yards.
Injuries, a theme for Arsenal last season, hit again after center-back William Saliba pulled up in the first few minutes, with Cristhian Mosquera, a new signing from Valencia over the summer, replacing him.
For Liverpool, they had their own injury concerns, with Ibrahima Konate going off, but will come away the happier after collecting three points.
Gregg Evans, Art de Roche and Anantaajith Raghuraman break down the match from Anfield.
Breaking down Szoboszlai’s wonderstrike
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Dominik Szoboszlai’s stunning goal served as a timely reminder of his rising influence within this Liverpool side.
He produced the game’s one moment of magic with a 32-yard free kick that flew into the top corner and beat David Raya for the first time this season.
Lining up the shot, it looked too far out, but Szoboszlai’s strike was too much for the Arsenal ‘keeper to get across and stop.
It was also Szoboszlai who won possession in the build-up to the goal, and he added the icing to the cake with the match-winning free kick.
When man of the match Szoboszlai was signed from RB Leipzig in 2023, his set-piece qualities were highlighted as one of his major strengths and the plan was to use him in attacking midfield and occasionally replace Mo Salah on the right side of attack.
Playing in defence,as a right-back,was certainly not in the script,but like so often in his two years at Anfield,the hungarian has filled in when required to grow into one of the most valuable utility players in the squad.
After performing well in the win at Newcastle United on Monday, Szoboszlai kept his place ahead of Conor Bradley and joe gomez, and it proved to be a clever decision.
For most of the game, he silenced Gabriel Martinelli and restricted the added threat of Riccardo Calafiori. rarely did he flinch when under pressure and when he was required to cover and offer assistance,he was always there.
The bonus of having a player so accomplished in that role also benefited Liverpool in the build-up phase and late into the game he showed his passing qualities with a sweeping diagonal ball that a certain former right-back at the club would have been proud of.
Gregg Evans
How will Arteta feel about that defeat?
Szoboszlai’s free kick would have felt like a sucker punch to Arte2025/08/31 19:07:31
Arsenal’s Resilience Tested in Draw Against Fulham
Arsenal were held to a 0-0 draw against Fulham at Craven Cottage, a result that highlighted both their defensive solidity and a frustrating lack of cutting edge in attack. While the Gunners controlled possession for large periods, breaking down a well-organised Fulham side proved challenging.
Saliba’s Injury a Worry
A major concern for Arsenal was the early injury to William Saliba. The French centre-back was forced off in the 28th minute after a collision, adding to the team’s defensive woes. Saliba’s absence disrupted the rhythm of the Arsenal defence, and his replacement, Jakub Kiwior, had a challenging afternoon.
Arsenal remained compact in the second half, which meant the young defender was not left exposed. unfortunatly for him, there was nothing he could do about the winner.
Art De Roche
Madueke vs Kerkez: who won?
In a first half where neither team created much of note, Noni Madueke’s duel with Milos Kerkez was an engaging sub-plot.With progression through the central areas frequently enough restricted, Arsenal were more than happy to go long towards the wings. Kerkez’s lack of aerial prowess was frequently enough targeted, as his former club Bournemouth did during Liverpool’s 4-2 opening-day win.No player completed more progressive carries in the first half across both teams than Madueke’s three, though Kerkez slid in at the right moment twice to concede a corner.The Hungarian also recovered well to block a Madueke shot in the 22nd minute.
In the 54th minute, Madueke turned Kerkez in the box but the left-back recovered once again to block a right-footed cross out for a corner. Fifteen minutes later, Madueke was penalised for hauling Kerkez down while chasing another long ball to that flank.